Wisconsin Power of Attorney for Health Care is a legal document that allows an individual (called the "principal") to appoint another individual (called the "agent") to make health care decisions on their behalf. It is a way for individuals to ensure that their wishes regarding medical care are followed if they become unable to make decisions due to illness, disability, or incapacity. There are two types of Wisconsin Power of Attorney for Health Care: Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Springing Power of Attorney for Health Care. A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care takes effect as soon as it is signed and remains in effect until it is revoked or the principal passes away. This type of power of attorney allows the agent to make any health care decision that the principal could make, including decisions about life-sustaining treatments. A Springing Power of Attorney for Health Care only takes effect when the principal is unable to make their own health care decisions. This type of power of attorney is most often used when individuals want to ensure that their wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments are followed. In order for the springing power of attorney to take effect, two doctors must certify that the principal is unable to make their own decisions. In order to create a valid Wisconsin Power of Attorney for Health Care, the document must be signed in the presence of two witnesses and a notary public. It is important to note that the agent cannot be the principal’s doctor, the principal’s health care provider, or an employee of the principal’s health care provider.